Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) due to superior scenic value at both ends of the flight. Departure offers the Thames estuary and Docklands urban drama; arrival delivers Moreton Bay's island geography and Brisbane River's distinctive meanders through the city. Left side faces inland on both ends with minimal terrain variation or recognizable landmarks. The 17-hour flight duration means cruise phase dominates, but the departure and arrival sequences—both favoring the right side—provide the most memorable visual moments.
Flown LCY to BNE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Brisbane is 10,261 miles (16,513 km), a flight of about 17 hours 15 minutes.
The cruise phase crosses the Mediterranean (southern coast of France, Italy, Greece visible on right side during daylight), the Suez Canal region, the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Depending on exact routing, passengers may see the Nile Delta, the Persian Gulf region, and the Maldives or Sri Lanka. Most of this 12+ hour ocean crossing offers limited scenery; the right side has marginal advantage if the flight passes south of the Arabian Peninsula where the Indian Ocean meets the Horn of Africa region. The final approach into Brisbane over Moreton Bay strongly favors the right side.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
RIGHTRight side captures the Thames estuary, Docklands skyline, and the North Sea coast during westerly-wind departure on runway 27. Left side faces inland toward flat suburban London with minimal visual interest.
Landing at BNE
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach views into Brisbane. Depending on runway direction, passengers see either Moreton Bay's islands and coastal geography (runway 19 approach from south) or the Brisbane River's dramatic meanders through the city center (runway 01 approach from north). Left side faces inland toward flat western suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Brisbane International (BNE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Brisbane. Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) due to superior scenic value at both ends of the flight. Departure offers the Thames estuary and Docklands urban drama; arrival delivers Moreton Bay's island geography and Brisbane River's distinctive meanders through the city. Left side faces inland on both ends with minimal terrain variation or recognizable landmarks. The 17-hour flight duration means cruise phase dominates, but the departure and arrival sequences—both favoring the right side—provide the most memorable visual moments.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Thames estuary, Docklands skyline, and the North Sea coast during westerly-wind departure on runway 27. Left side faces inland toward flat suburban London with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Thames estuary with Canary Wharf towers, North Sea horizon, Docklands waterfront development.
What can I see when landing at Brisbane International in Brisbane?
When landing at Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach views into Brisbane. Depending on runway direction, passengers see either Moreton Bay's islands and coastal geography (runway 19 approach from south) or the Brisbane River's dramatic meanders through the city center (runway 01 approach from north). Left side faces inland toward flat western suburbs. Notable sights include: Moreton Bay islands, Brisbane River oxbow bends, Brisbane CBD skyline, coastal wetlands.
How long is the flight from London to Brisbane?
The flight from City (LCY) to Brisbane International (BNE) takes about 17 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,261 miles (16,513 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Brisbane flight path pass over?
The cruise phase crosses the Mediterranean (southern coast of France, Italy, Greece visible on right side during daylight), the Suez Canal region, the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Depending on exact routing, passengers may see the Nile Delta, the Persian Gulf region, and the Maldives or Sri Lanka. Most of this 12+ hour ocean crossing offers limited scenery; the right side has marginal advantage if the flight passes south of the Arabian Peninsula where the Indian Ocean meets the Horn of Africa region. The final approach into Brisbane over Moreton Bay strongly favors the right side.